Maintaining and taking care of your feet inside and out is essential to keeping them healthy. If you’re suffering with warts, then it may be time to schedule a consultation with your podiatrist. In the meantime, consider these tips on how to treat unsightly feet warts:

What are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths on the soles of your feet often caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). While most plantar warts are not a serious health concern, some warts may be bothersome or painful. The signs and symptoms of plantar warts include:

• Small grainy bumps on the soles of your feet.
• Hard, flat growths with a rough surface and defined boundaries.
• Gray or brown lumps with black pinpoints.
• Bumps that interrupt the normal ridges of your feet.

Causes

Plantar warts are acquired through direct contact with HPV. Even though the virus is not highly contagious, it can be passed from person to person as any other infectious disease. HPV thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming areas, locker rooms, and shower floors. Individuals with cuts or scrapes on their feet are at greater risk for developing plantar warts.

Treatment Options

Now that you know what plantar warts are, it’s time to review your treatment options. There are several ways to treat unsightly feet warts at home, including:

• Using moleskin for temporary relief.
• Removal with a pumice stone after soaking for 20 minutes.
• Using salicylic acid gels or pads.

When at-home remedies don’t work, it’s time to see your physician. Your podiatrist may choose from a variety of medical treatment options, including Upton’s paste, topical ointments, laser treatment, cryotherapy, or curettage and desiccation. In addition, your podiatrist may prescribe custom-made orthotics to eliminate discomfort while walking.

Whether you’re suffering with plantar warts, bunions, or ingrown toenails, our medical specialists with Family Foot Center are here to help. For the best podiatry services in the Whitestone area, call 718-767-5555 today!

An orthotic, or foot orthoses, is a custom-made shoe insert designed to fit your feet more efficiently than over-the-counter arch supports. Unlike many store-brand products, custom orthotics help balance the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs. When Dr. Schoell’s just isn’t enough, consider these benefits of using orthotics:

Durability

One of the biggest benefits of using orthotics is durability. While many over-the-counter products deteriorate within weeks, most orthotics can last 5-10 years. However, this does not mean orthotics aren’t comfortable, as they still allow for a certain degree of flexibility.

Convenience

Sometimes the best way to prevent arch and heel pain is to buy a better pair of shoes. However, this limits your options to a single pair of supportive footwear. Custom-made orthotics are removable, allowing you to use them in almost any pair of closed shoes. Put them in your work shoes, or throw them in your gym shoes for extra support during a quick jog!

Variety of Uses

Many people tend to think that orthotics are only used for individuals with fallen arches or flat feet. While orthotics can treat these conditions, they also work to relieve plantar fasciitis (heel pain), lower leg tendonitis, shin splints, and knee pain. In addition, orthotics prevent over-pronation and absorb shock while running and walking. Orthotics can also be used in conjunction with night bars, gait plates, and foot splints to correct more serious toe conditions such as inward pointing or hammertoes.

Cost

In some cases, your insurance will cover orthotics that are deemed medically necessary or related to a debilitating condition. In the event that your insurance does not cover your orthotics, many podiatrists will work with you to find a financial plan that fits your needs.

Supportive shoes may seem like a great option, but they aren’t custom-made to fit your feet. With over 23 years of experience, Dr. Zawada with the Family Foot Center provides the best orthotics and procedures for your needs. Visit our website for a full listing of services.

Whether you stand on your feet all day or are just suffering occasional foot pain, seeing a podiatrist could be a great investment for your health.  Podiatrists are doctors who focus on helping the feet and lower legs.  They work on everything from simple ingrown toenails to bunions and major heel pain.  Finding the right podiatrist isn’t hard as long as your follow a few vital steps.

• Board Certified – You will only want to go to a board certified doctor who specializes in podiatry.  A podiatrist should be board certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association or other highly regarded podiatrist board.  This certification shows that the doctor is not just a general practitioner, but specializes in caring specifically for the feet and lower legs.

• Experience – With their board certification, the podiatrist will has gained at least 3 years of residency experience and training.  You should evaluate the experience of your podiatrist and only select one that has a wealth of experience.  You might ask them how many cases of your particular foot problem, like bunions or plantar warts, they have treated.

• Price – A podiatrist will charge of variety of prices based on their own experience and also your particular foot ailment.  Surgical treatments for issues like bunions or serious heel pain will cost a bit more.  Since more podiatrist care will be covered by insurance, you should ideally choose the best doctor you can afford.

The Family Foot Center has proudly been serving the residents of North Queens for years.  We offer all kinds of podiatric care including treatment for plantar warts, athletes’ foot, bunions, ingrown toenails, and more.  Our board certified doctor has 23 years of experience and will be sure to help with you with all your foot health needs.  Contact us today to learn more or to set up your first appointment.

Ingrown toenails are a very common foot health problem that can affect any of your toes, but it’s usually present in the big toe.  Basically, the nail begins to grow into the skin at the end or on the sides causing pain and inflammation.

If left untreated, then the ingrown toenail might cause an infection that will need more serious medical treatment to correct.  This video on ingrown toenails explains more about how they develop, how you might prevent them, and what solutions are out there to correct the painful problem.

At Family Foot Center, our staff can help relieve your ingrown toenail pain and give you tips on preventing a repeat situation.  Contact us today.